Affluenza: When Too Much Is Never Enough

Affluenza: When Too Much Is Never Enough

Synopsis

Anyone concerned about the level of their personal debt or frustrated by the rat race of aspiring to an affluent lifestyle will appreciate this critique of the effects of over-consumption. This analysis pulls no punches as it describes both the problem and what can be done to stop it. Analyzing the increasing rates of stress, depression, and obesity as possible effects of the consumption binge currently gripping the Western world, this report tracks how Australians overwork, the growing number of things thrown out, self-medicated drugs, and the real meaning of the word choice.

Excerpt

The meaning of life has tantalised philosophers for centuries, yet in recent years Australians have been acting as though they have found the answer—to own a big house and receive a $10 000 pay rise. Despite public endorsement of this belief, in quieter moments most of us would admit that we need much more if we are to live a fulfilling life.

This book poses one simple question: if the economy has been doing so well, why are we not becoming happier? In seeking an answer, we look at how Australians live, work and consume. We describe how corporations, advertisers, the media and politicians operate to ensure that Australians are always thinking about what they lack, rather than using the opportunities our wealth presents for living rich lives and building a better society.

Although this is a book about the sicknesses of affluence, it does not argue that we would be better off poor. Instead, the proposition is that only by recognising our material abundance can we begin the task of improving the other aspects of our lives— . . .